Frequently asked questions
How do I access the ALCOHOL LINKWORKERS?
A telephone helpline is available Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm, on 0161 882
1300. Our Duty Officer will arrange new appointments, answer general enquiries,
and offer advice to staff from other agencies or patients needing support.
Download our referral form or contact
us for further details.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE ALCOHOL CARE MANAGErs?
To make a referral please telephone the Contact Centre on 0161 255 8250 or the online web referral form. The Contact Centre is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These details are then passed to the Alcohol Care Managers who will arrange an appointment.
DO YOU SEE PEOPLE IN DOCTOR'S SURGERIES?
Yes. Each GP Practice in Manchester has a named Alcohol Linkworker. Weekly or fortnightly clinics are held at either GP surgeries or health centres. The Alcohol Care Managers arrange to see you nearby to where you live.
What if I don't want to be seen at my doctor's?
We also see people in nearby health centres so let us know your preference when you ring to make your first appointment.
Do you see people at home?
Yes. We can see people at home if they are unable to get to an appointment in special situations. For example, when a parent is struggling with childcare or when someone is unable to leave the house because of ill health.
How long is an appointment session? How many sessions do I have?
Appointments are approximately half an hour and are held on a one to one basis. The Alcohol Linkworkers are usually limited to 6-8 sessions. The Alcohol Care Managers work with you for as long as is needed.
What happens in the sessions?
At your first appointment, we carry out a detailed assessment. We look at current drinking patterns, drinking history, future goals if known. We also look at your overall health and well-being and social circumstances.
Will I be told what to do?
No. We aim to support people develop their own personal goals about their drinking or non-drinking habits. It has to be your choice what to do next. We will use a variety of skills to offer support and advice including sharing facts and information, motivational counselling, ideas that have worked for other people, cognitive behavioural therapy and relapse prevention.
WHAT IF I FEEL UNWELL WHEN I TRY TO STOP OR CUT DOWN?
In this situation, it is not safe to suddenly stop drinking without a detoxification. We assess people for alcohol detoxification and consider their physical and mental health, social circumstances, previous withdrawal experiences and readiness to change. Where appropriate, we offer a supervised home detoxification service.
Do you see people who are worried about someone else's drinking?
Yes. The Alcohol Linkworkers provide advice, support and signposting for people affected by someone else's drinking. The Alcohol Care Managers complete carer’s assessments to help people access other services that may reduce or give them a break from their caring role.
